2010 SELF Healthy Food Awards

2010 SELF Healthy Food Awards

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We set out to uncover the healthiest versions of the packaged items women swear by for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can feast on your favorites virtually guilt-free. These fast-fix foods met our rigorous slimming standards and won our reader taste test. Check out what made the list—your ultimate weight loss shopping list awaits you.

Best Frozen Waffle

For a fast meal on a busy morning, pop these “light and fluffy” pastries in the toaster (testers reported they cooked quickly), then top with a dollop of peanut butter, apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Best Mustard

Go for the gold. Annie’s mustard more than passed muster with our panel, who liked its smooth spreadability and tang. Slather some on a hearty ‘wich, squirt a spoonful on a burger, or use a dab as dip for pretzels. (Our tasters did!)

Best Cracker

Kashi cracked the code for the ideal cracker. “They have the perfect salty kick,” a sampler said. And the crunchers can multitask: “They would go well with cheese or peanut butter,” a fan said. Pack some to munch with soup or salad.

Best Peanut Butter

Santa Cruz Organic Creamy
(210 calories, 16 g fat per 2 tbsp)

Use the all-natural basic for sammies and snacks. “I’d pair it with green apple slices,” one taster said. “It would hold up well warmed, which is a great way to have PB&J,” noted another.

Best Mayonnaise

Hellmann’s Light
(35 calories, 3.5 g fat per tbsp)

“I want to smear it on everything!” a tester said. Go right ahead! Despite its eggy richness, this classic condiment has only 0.5 g saturated fat per tbsp. “It will make great tuna salad,” a taster declared.

Best Light Cheddar

Cracker Barrel 2% Milk Extra Sharp
(90 calories, 6 g fat per oz)

Don’t fear reduced-fat cheese; this block beat the rest by tasting just like the full-fat version. “I’d use it in grilled cheese or slice it cold to have on crackers,” one cheesehead said.

Best Bread

Carbs, anyone? Samplers loved this loaf’s fresh-baked feel and honey-tinged taste. Cover it with cream cheese or cold cuts, one tester said. And there’s no need to skimp: It’s so low-cal, you can help yourself to two pieces guiltlessly.

Best Tortilla

Sampling these soft wraps inspired our panel to get cooking. “I could see myself filling this up with warm rice and beans, veggies and guacamole to make a mean burrito,” said one aspiring chef.

Best Jam

Smucker’s Simply Fruit Black Cherry
(40 calories, 0 g fat per tbsp)

Readers suggested using this spread to jazz up plain yogurt, sweeten breakfast breads or accompany its pal peanut butter. They praised the jelly’s natural feel and flavor: “You can really taste the fruit.”

Best Frozen Pizza

An American pie with a Greek twist: It’s topped with feta, red peppers and spinach. And one ‘za is big enough for three to share. Pizza party, anyone?

Best Vinaigrette

Trader Joe’s Fat Free Balsamic
(25 calories, 0 g fat per 2 tbsp)

It was hardly a toss-up: This smooth, pungent blend got the green light from nearly all of our testers. It’s super flavorful, and you need only a smidgen, but it’s so low-cal, you can feel free to pour it on.

Ready for Dessert?

Or perhaps a little snack? SELF picked out the best of the bunch in sweet treats and satisfying snacks, too—head right here to see which bites topped the list!